HUDSON COUNTY — Calling it political theater at its worst, a spokesperson for the campaign of Undersheriff Frank Schillari disputed assault charges filed against him earlier this week by Hudson County Sheriff’s Office Chief John Bartucci.
Schillari is running to be county sheriff in November.
“This is something straight out of the Wizard of Oz,” said Paul Swibinski, of Vision Media, who is serving as Schillari’s spokesperson.
Bartucci has accused Schillari of assaulting him in the Hudson County Administration Building, and claims the act was recorded by security cameras. In the complaint filed with the Jersey City Municipal Court, Bartucci claims Schillari shoved his shoulder into Bartucci’s back.
The case is expected to be heard on Sept. 16.
“We reviewed the tapes and it isn’t even clear that there was any contact with Bartucci’s back,” Swibinski said, saying Bartucci is a supporter of Schillari’s political opponent in the upcoming race, incumbent Sheriff Juan Perez.
In the complaint, Bartucci said the alleged assault happened on Aug. 5 just inside the Pavonia Street entrance to the Administration Building. Both men have office space on the first floor of the building.
Schillari secured the Democratic nomination to replace Perez during last June’s primary race, after the powerful Hudson County Democratic Organization supported him over Perez. Perez then switched parties to run for reelection as a Republican.
Perez had fired Schillari in March after the HCDO switched his support, but then reinstated Schillari after Schillari filed a lawsuit.
The latest incident appears to have political overtones.
“This all nonsense, political theater,” Swibinski said. “There is a security tape that I’ve seen, that doesn’t even make clear that Schillari shoulder’s made any contact with Bartucci’s back.”